This forum provides a safe haven for melanoma patients and caregivers. It is moderated to assure scientifically validated information. Catherine Poole, the moderator, authored Melanoma: Not Just Skin Cancer published April, 2015. She was diagnosed with melanoma 26 years ago. Please follow forum rules when you register.

Hey, I was diagnosed with stage 3b melanoma summer 2017... had several surgeries and chose the wait and watch program with a healthy diet. I'm also working on a collection of scars- so far though I only have one big one shaped like a tipped over question mark on my back and three smaller ones (and one other smaller one unrelated) but I'm sure my dermatologist will keep adding more as he takes off anything suspicious I never went tanning but my grandpa died of melanoma when I was little so I'm guessing it was genetics.

Welcome to the forum. Less than 4% of melanoma is hereditary, but redheads do seem to be in the top number of getting it. Very fair skin and freckling are often barometers of the skin that is sensitive to the sun. I hope you are being followed regularly with check ups. Please check in and ask questions here. We have a great community.